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DC Futures Program

Get up to $8,000 with the DC Futures Program!

University of the District of Columbia

DC Futures Emergency Aid

Funds for the DC Futures Emergency Fund program have been fully exhausted for the 2023-2024 Academic Year. Awards were provided on a first-come, first-served basis. You are encouraged to seek other resources to assist with your current emergency needs.

Rental Assistance: Emergency Rental Assistance Program | dhs (dc.gov)

Utilities: Receive Assistance With Your Utility Bills (LIHEAP) | doee (dc.gov)

Food:  UDC Food Pantry-UDC Firebird Market | University of the District of Columbia

DC Food Pantry Programs: www.findhelp.org/food/food-pantry–washington-dc

Childcare:   DC Child Care Subsidy Program | osse

Eligible District of Columbia residents can receive a last-dollar scholarship of up to $8,000 a year to attend the University of the District of Columbia. 

Offered through OSSE, the DC Futures Program helps DC college students complete their first associate or bachelor’s degree by providing a last-dollar scholarship, college coaching and support services that address personal and financial barriers.

The DC Futures program is so much more than a scholarship

  • Receive up to $8,000 as a last-dollar scholarship to fill the gap between your financial aid package and the cost of attendance.
  • Obtain up to $1,500 in a stipend and participate in a college coaching program.
  • Access up to $2,000 in emergency funds for expenses, based on need and funding availability.
  • Re-apply each year to receive awards, based on funding availability, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Apply Here

To apply or learn more about the eligibility requirements, visit the DC Futures Program at https://osse.dc.gov/node/1574531

For questions, contact the Office of Financial Aid at the University of the District of Columbia by email at finaid@udc.edu or call 202.274.5941.

Basic Eligibility Requirements:

You have been a resident of the District of Columbia for the last 12 months

You are accepted or enrolled part- or full-time at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC)

You are seeking your first associate or bachelor’s degree

You can demonstrate financial need based on annual household income

You are majoring in a high-demand field

Frequently Asked Questions

I have been awarded DC Futures Scholarship. Where should I send my award letter?

You may email your award letter to fadocs@udc.edu.

Can I receive a refund check from DC Futures?

DC Futures is a last-dollar award and does not allow a refund. If your bill has been satisfied by other sources of financial aid DC Futures will not be applied.

I have a Student Accounts hold on my account what should I do?

Our office provides a list to the Office of Student Accounts to remove or not place holds for students who will receive funding from the DC Futures program. However, in some cases if a student is not on the list depending on when their application was submitted their name may be omitted from the list. Students who have a hold may contact the Office of Financial Aid and we will provide the necessary information to the Office of Student Accounts to request the hold be removed.

If the hold is from a term that is outside of the period the DC Futures funding is being provided, the hold cannot be removed.

Can DC Futures assist with books, parking, housing charges, health insurance etc.?

No, DC Futures can only be used for tuition and mandatory fees.

When will I receive the notification to apply for DC Futures Emergency Funds?

Once the add/drop period ends our office will begin the invoicing process. Once it has been determined that students enrolled the link with the Emergency Fund application is emailed to all DC Future applicants. Please note that funding is limited and students are encouraged to apply timely.

I was awarded funds for DC Futures but it was not applied to my account. Why?

The DC Futures award is a last-dollar award. If your balance has been satisfied in full by other sources of financial aid you will not be eligible to receive the DC Futures award as refunds cannot be made to students from this program.

I was awarded funds for DC Futures but it was not applied to my account. Why?

To receive funding from the DC Futures program, students must be making SAP. When SAP is monitored, the Office of Financial Aid must check for the following three items.

  • GPA – Undergraduate students are required to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA
  • Completion Rate – Must pass at least 67% of attempted classes to show that you are progressing towards your degree.
  • Maximum Timeframe – You must earn your degree within an allotted timeframe. For example, if you are pursuing a bachelor’s degree that requires 120 credits you will be required to complete your degree requirements within the timeframe of 150% or once you reach 180 credits (120×150%=180). Once you reach 180 credits and have not met the requirements for your degree program you will be considered not making SAP.

If you have an extenuating circumstance that falls within our guidelines, you may appeal by the designated deadline for the term, Office of Financial Aid | Admissions (udc.edu).